Spirit of Mateship

Spirit of Mateship, the former Southern Excellence, but originally known as djuice Dragons, will be crewed by ten wounded, injured, or ill existing and former Australian Defence Force personnel, known as ‘Brave Mates’, to raise money for the Mates4Mates charity. Mates4Mates was established to provide support to wounded, injured and ill members of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and their families.

Led by the skilled yachtsman, Russell McCart, the nominated Mates will participate in a series of training activities to ensure all are ready for what awaits come December 26. The Brave Mates will be stretched physically and psychologically to develop both individual and team skills, such as fortitude, strength, resilience and resourcefulness to name a few. By experiencing and conquering any negative aspects, they can overcome adversity. Further information on how to support this valiant effort by the Brave Mates: www.mates4mates.org.  

As Southern Excellence, this yacht placed second in PHS Division 2 in last year’s Rolex Sydney Hobart and had undergone extensive refurbishment. Under the name Getaway-Sailing.com, this yacht took line and PHS honours and set a new course record for the lengthened by eight nautical miles 2006 Gosford to Lord Howe Race, and repeated its line honours victory again in 2007. The yacht also scored line honours in the 2007 Melbourne to Vanuatu race, for which it also holds the race record.

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